Today’s video of the day is à;GRUMH – "Ayatollah Jackson" released in 1989.
Belgian EBM pioneers à;GRUMH delivered one of their most striking tracks with “Ayatollah Jackson.” The song appeared in 1989 on the EP The Price Is Right. Soon after, it also surfaced as a bonus track on the expanded digital edition of We Are à;Grumh… And You Are Not!. The track blends industrial aggression with early Electronic Body Music rhythms. As a result, it captures the raw underground sound of late-1980s European EBM. Moreover, the song highlights the band’s playful yet confrontational style.
The group formed in 1981 in Charleroi, Belgium. Founders Philippe Genion and Jacques Meurrens adopted the cryptic stage names SΔ3 Evets and JΔ3 Seuqcaj. From the beginning, they mixed satire with harsh electronics. Consequently, their music stood apart from many industrial acts of the era. Early releases helped shape the developing EBM scene. Meanwhile, We Are à;Grumh… And You Are Not! pushed their sound further. That album balanced noisy experimentation with club-driven beats. Therefore, “Ayatollah Jackson” fits naturally within the band’s strange and energetic catalog.
The video for “Ayatollah Jackson” reflects the band’s surreal attitude. Bold imagery and chaotic performance moments reinforce the track’s intensity. At the same time, the visuals echo the provocative humor common in their work. In addition, the song gained renewed attention in 2023. It appeared on a special compilation celebrating the anniversary of PIAS Recordings. Because of that reissue, new listeners discovered the track again. Ultimately, “Ayatollah Jackson” remains a memorable piece of classic EBM history.
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